Sunday, March 20, 2016

Instead of eating rice or wheat all the time, I like to mix up my diet with other grains at least once a week. Millet is one of my favourite grain. It not only cooks fast, it is also very tasty. Millet upma is one of the dishes I make frequently. Other Indian names for millet is bajra, kambu, varagu. Here is my recipe.1/2 cup millet (100g or 3.65 oz)

1 cup water to cook the millet

1 tablespoon oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 cup peanuts (raw or roasted)2 chopped green chillies 1" inch piece of ginger chopped1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder2 teaspoon sambar powder( can be substituted with curry powder)1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder1 cup chopped potato (225g)1 cup chopped green beans(125g)1/2 cup chopped carrots(80g)1/2 cup green peas1/2 teaspoon salt or to tasteA few curry leaves or cilantro(dhania) leaves1 tablespoon lemon juiceCook the millet and keep it aside. In a pressure cooker it takes one or two whistles or 10 to 15 minutes. On the burner it takes about 15 minutes.To a pan on medium heat with one tablespoon of oil add mustard seeds and wait for it to pop. When the mustard seeds pop add the peanuts and let it cook for 10 to 15 seconds, next add the chopped ginger and green chillies and let it cook for 10 seconds. Next, add the turmeric powder and sambar powder mix let it cook for a few seconds and add asafoetida powder after cooking for 10 seconds add the chopped vegetables and peas, add about half cup of water or as needed for the vegetables to cook. Cook for 10 minutes or so or until the vegetables are cooked. After the vegetables are cooked add the salt mix, add the curry leaves, and next add the cooked millet, mix and lastly add the lemon juice mix and serve.Serve with raita.Serves 3